I do feel his spirit is here, yes. Cissy Houston (born Emily Drinkard on September 30, 1933) is a gospel and soul singer. Popular music icon Elvis Presley dies in Memphis, Tennessee. They say Elvis has left the building. The group was also invited to be part of the regular cast on the Gospel Singing Jubilee television program. She became a member of the Sweet Inspirations, which previously served as Elvis Presley 's backing group. Unrivaled Mac notes apps for fuss-free note-taking, 6 Actionable Tips for Improving Your Websites SEO, Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes. The 'Sweets' worked with Elvis in Vegas, on his national concert tours and on recordings from 1969 to 1977. Sweet Inspiration; Give My Love to Somebody; You Roam When You Don't Get It At Home; Blues Stay Away from Me; Let It Be Me; When Something Is Wrong With My Baby; I'm Blue; But You Know I Love You; Chained; Why Am I Treated So Bad; Unchained Melody; It's Not Easy; Get A Little Order; What The World Needs Now Is Love; Don't Go; It's Worth It All . From suffragist Susan B. Anthony to civil rights activist Rosa Parks, they helped to shape the lives of not only the women who came after them but the world at large. It was that song that caught the attention of Elvis Presley, who signed them to provide backing vocals and be an opening act for his record-breaking 1969 Las Vegas engagement, his official return to the live concert stage after his triumphant '68 TV special and the end of his Hollywood movie contract obligations. Cissy Houston, The Sweet Inspirations, still active. mode: 'thumbnails-rr1', Myrna Smith, The Sweet Inspirations, died in 2010. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Despite her financial struggles, she was determined tokeep her career and her friendships with her group mates going for as long as she could. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Hugh Jarrett died at 78 on May 31, 2008, from injuries sustained in an auto accident in March. Error! Estelle Brown, Myrna Smith, and Sylvia Shemwell begun performing with Elvis in Las Vegas in 1969 and they continued to perform at every concert with Elvis all the way through the year of 1977 until Elvis' passing. The Sweet Inspirations were an American R&B girl group founded by Emily Cissy Houston (ne Drinkard), mother of Whitney Houston, and sister of Lee Warwick (herself the mother of well-known sisters Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick). On the back of his success, Shawn embarked on an unprecedented world tour - performing to thousands of fans in theatres and arenas across the USA, South America, Europe and Australia. The Sweet Inspirations met him when they arrived for the first rehearsals for the '69 engagement. We look forward to seeing Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta, GA. Atlanta Elvis fans, the wait is over. In a lengthy note shared to Instagram, the country artist said that both were the inspiration behind his unreleased new song "See Me Now," from his upcoming fourth studio album, "Gettin' Old." In the post, Combs included a photo of . Gordon Stoker died at 88 at his Brentwood, Tennessee, home on March 27, 2013, after a long illness. Aside of Sweet Inspirations, Smith sang back up for Elvis in his Graceland recordings as well. When they brought down the house at the 1957 festival, they were signed to RCA on the spot, and they released the critically acclaimed 'A Joyful Noise' the following year. The Sweet Inspirations : Female vocal group, formed 1967 in New York, New York. He could have chosen anybody to sing with him, but he chose The Sweet Inspirations. Myrna Yvonne Smith (May 28, 1941 - December 24, 2010) [1] was an American songwriter and singer. Product Vendor: Sweet Inspirations LLC. Until Now! Myrna was still making records with the Sweet Inspirations during her period with Elvis, but with limited commercial success. She became a high school English teacher in South Brunswick, New Jersey in the 1960s, while she also pursued her singing career. In 1978, The Sweet Inspirations sang background on Frankie Valli's number one smash, Grease (! + Plus Bonus DVD Audio. Fontana Interview with Charlie Hodge Interview with Ernst Jorgensen Elvis Presley & the TCB Band, Copyright 2022 by www.elvis.com.au & www.elvispresley.com.au, https://www.elvis.com.au/presley/the-sweet-inspirations.shtml. In March 2010, while on a European tour for Elvis: The Concert, Smith developed pneumonia. The group, at various times, comprised of: Cissy Houston (a.k.a. It was Wexler who dubbed them 'The Sweet Inspirations' and, as he said in the book, 'Rhythm and the Blues', they 'they became one of the pillars of the Atlantic Church of Sixties Soul ultimately it was only a matter of common decency to put them under contract as a featured group'. As long as we stay inspired, the sign will stay upand we have a long list to explore!". Sausage And Cheese. [2] When she joined, the lead singer of the Sweet Inspirations was Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston and dynamic soprano featured on Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way". [3] It was released in June 1967 and rose to No. Steve Priest, the bassist and co-founder of glam rock band Sweet, has died at the age of 72. However, she added: Ive learned better than that but we just didnt think it would work. Your membership is the foundation of our sustainability and resilience. add strawberry, blackberry or blueberry topping with whipped cream for additional - $2. The Sweet Inspirations. The Sweet Inspirations: albums, songs, playlists | Listen on Deezer Sign up for Deezer for free and listen to The Sweet Inspirations: discography, top tracks and playlists. Welcome to the Official website of The Sweet Inspirations! The Sweet Inspirations recorded by themselves for the first time in April 1967 for Atlantic Records. Friday, September 30, 2016 Saturday, October 1, 2016Fri, Sep 30, 2016 Sat, Oct 1, 2016, The El Portal Theatre, North Hollywood, CA. REDISCOVER The '60s: Soul Love. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. I don't know how you can do it all. Elvis Presley's songs are unforgettable - they have stood the test of time, especially his singles of the 1950s, a decade in which he had a song at No. Demi Lovato Is Back and Better Than Ever With ' Still Alive ' If you ' re a fan of the iconic Scream movies, you need to give a listen to Demi Lovato ' s new song " Still Alive. Cissy Houston, Estelle Brown, Sylvia Shemwell and Myrna Smith made up the group that arranged and performed background vocals on countless recordings for a wide range of artistsfrom Wilson Pickett to Yusef Lateef to Jimi Hendrix to Elvis Presley and, of course, The Queen of Soul. Shawn returns once again to a favorite destination. In 1969, the group recorded their fourth album, Sweets for my Sweet. Later they began traveling around the area and singing at various venues. CAFE SWEET INSPIRATIONS - 72 Photos & 16 Reviews - Coffee & Tea - 311 Katipunan Ave., Loyola Heights, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines - Restaurant Reviews - Phone Number - Yelp Cafe Sweet Inspirations 16 reviews Unclaimed Coffee & Tea, Mongolian, Filipino Open 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM See 72 photos Victorino's Kanto Freestyle Breakfast The Sweet Inspirations had success with R\u0026B, gospel and pop recordings of their own, most notably their first hit single Sweet Inspiration, which gave the group their name in the late sixties and earned them a Grammy nomination. Presley reportedly called the ladies his church sisters. The Sweet inspirations had a hit record on the Pop, Soul and R and B charts in 1969. HOT CAKE AND FRENCH TOAST. The line-up included Judy Guions (who later became Judy Clay), Marie Epps, Larry Drinkard, Nicholas Drinkard, Ann Moss, Lee and Emily. Part of our South American tour, don't miss our first time ever at the 5,000 seat Teatro Caupolican! The infamous "catfish" incident that resulted in several of Elvis Presley's backup singers walking off stage in the middle of a concert was not merely a matter of their taking offense at a racist remark, but a reaction to the singer's increasingly bizarre behavior. Taking over for Cook is another fouding member of the group, former tenor Archie Watkins. [2], In a recording session on March 28, 1967, the Sweet Inspirations provided the backup vocals for Van Morrison on his classic hit "Brown Eyed Girl". In 1963 she and three other singers formed a backup group that became known as the Sweet Inspirationsand performed around the country with various headliners. The Sweet Inspirations worked with Presley until his death in 1977. Cissy Houston left in 1969 to pursue her own solo career but the Sweet Inspirations remained loyal to the king of rock & roll. Over the years, Elvis Presley had a number of backing singers, including The Sweet Inspirations. Born in Newark, New Jersey. Smith was replaced with Los Angeles-based singer Kelly Jones; as of March 2011[update], the Sweet Inspirations are continuing to perform backup vocals with Elvis: The Concert and continue to do many concerts worldwide with Elvis Presley Enterprises' first ever "Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist", Shawn Klush,[9] sometimes as a duo and other times as a trio. Shrimp And Mushroom. We humbly honor the old school soul music era and will keep pushing forward to keep it alive. Shawn returns to Memphis on Elvis Tribute Week for the very 1st concert of the event. $8.99. She died on December 24, 2010, in Canoga Park, California, after an illness, five months short of her 70th birthday.[1]. Featuring a live band, orchestra and support from the incredible Ben Thompson performing the early years of the King. chocolates shopping sweet inspirations. Cissy Houston Estelle Brown, one of the Sweet Inspirations, responded to his remark by hanging her head, and Elvis continued by proclaiming, "Estelle, Sweet Inspirations, Stamps, if you don't look up, I'm going to kick your ass." Elvis death: The King's pilot I thought Vernon Presley had died, Elvis Presley bodyguard says King'different'person in private, Elvis Presley Vegas backing singer: I believe The King is an ANGEL and he is still here, Elvis performing in Las Vegas with The Sweet Inspirations, Elvis Presley ALIVE? Sumner and the Stamps, a white male quintet that had replaced the Imperials, a similar quintet, back in 1971. In 1979, the group toured with The Bee Gees during their U.S. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. The Sweet Inspirations (Estelle Brown, Smith, and Shemwell) got back together again in 1994, with new member Portia Griffin. Early in the show, according to a UPI report, Elvis told theaudience that "he smelled green peppers and onions and that his backup singers, the Sweet Inspirations, had probably been eating catfish. There was one person in particular who had sent the message. News headlines delivered at 7:00 am Monday - Friday. Sweet Inspiration (1967) was covered in Sweet Inspiration by Diana Ross, The Supremes and The Temptations (1968) I Need Your Sweet Inspiration by The Pioneers (1970) Sweet Inspiration by King Curtis (1968) see 4 more connections. Pat Terry would take Estelle's place on their disco flavored album, Hot Butterfly, which didn't sell much - probably due to the fact that the company had overextended itself by then, and was busy fighting off a lawsuit from those self-same Brothers Gibb. UPI, 21 July 1975. A Gamble & Huff composition, Gotta Find Me A Brand New Lover. While they were successful in their own right as a group with many hit recordings, the one song that stood out the song was their song, Sweet Inspiration. Back in the 60s, that song had many people bopping their heads and tapping their feet. The Sweet Inspirations join Shawn Klush on his World Tour throughout the UK. 2021 will soon be with us and hopefully have Sweet performing at a Venue near you. Its a wonderful weekend of remembering Elvis through his extensive musical library, and touching stories from those who knew him about how he touched their lives. I am still missing a few and would be interested in buying some of them once you get organized. Deep down inside, he knew the deal. Portia Griffin who has been with the group for 19 years sang with Jeffery Osborne, the Killers and many more. 9. Rare Original '67 The SWEET INSPIRATIONS Atlantic Records Premiere Self Titled Stereo Vintage U.S Vinyl Press Lp Near MINT Sixties Funk Soul IsWhatIGot (1,123) $24.00 FREE shipping sweet sixteen svg / sweet 16 svg / sixteen svg / digital download CaffeinatedArtStudio (3,451) $1.30 $1.45 (10% off) The session produced the group's biggest R&B hit in some time. They also recorded choir backing for The Killers' 2004 recording, Hot Fuss, on songs "Andy, You're a Star" and "All These Things That I've Done". Success! The Sweet Inspirations 1969:Sylvia Shemwell, Cissy Houston, Myrna Smith and Estelle Brown. The Sweet Inspirations were an all-female gospel/soul quartet consisting of Cissy Houston, mother of the late Whitney Houston, Sylvia Shernwell, Myrna Smith, and Estelle Brown. Once back in the U.S., her condition continued to deteriorate, as she suffered kidney failure, further complicated by a severe stroke. In 1994, original members Estelle, Myrna and Sylvia reformed 'The Sweet Inspirations', adding a fourth singer, Portia Griffin. And then from how we were raised church-wise, that was the devils music. ), and would become closely allied with her for the rest of her tenure at Atlantic. Bacharach, of course, would go on to make history with Dionne at Scepter, while Dee Dee and Judy Clay embarked on solo careers themselves shortly thereafter. Although they would hit the R&B chart twice more for the label, by 1971, with Wexler now merely an employee and the Warner owned company's focus shifting to acts like Led Zeppelin, Derek & the Dominoes and Crosby, Stills and Nash, they chose not to renew The Sweets' contract in 1972. Matters came to a head during an evening performance in Norfolk. The Sweet Inspirations were top-tier background singers and an accomplished recording act in their own right. All of which kind of makes Atlantic's decision to cut a Gospel album on them at the height of their success kind of strange. 1. for 59 weeks and 4 No. Featuring Elvis's original backing singers 'The Sweet Inspirations' who toured with Elvis from 1969-1977 and featured in concert movies That's The way It Is, Elvis On Tour and TV special Aloha From Hawaii. ), which had been written and produced by Barry Gibb and released on RSO records. Elvis Musicians Elvis band who backed Elvis Presley that are still alive and performing today? Up until the day she died, Myrna Smith made a living telling old stories of Elvis and even singing as a back up singer for Elvis impersonators. . I always say, God I thank you and Elvis I thank you too!. [6], In 1967, the group did backing vocals for the Jimi Hendrix single "Burning of the Midnight Lamp" which was later featured on the album Electric Ladyland in 1968. As the story goes, Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham got up off the couch, wrote a song for The Sweets, and cut it themselves while Dowd and the rest of the Atlantic crew went to lunch. By October 2010, she was a patient at the Canyon Oaks Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Canoga Park, California. It will be a night to remember and a chance to meet these Legends! Elvis Birthday Elvis Born January 8, 1935. When Elvis glowered at the remaining singers and said, "Sorry for any embarrassment I might have caused, but if you can't take it, get off the pot," another Inspiration, Sylvia Shemwell, walked out, followed by Westmoreland. An all female American soul quartet, these ladies were some of the most prolific backing vocalists in 60's R&B, literally singing on dozens of hit records for other artists. 8. We love being here and connecting with peopleeverything starts with customer service! When Jerry Wexler signed Aretha in early 1967, he brought in Cissy (now going by her married name of Houston) to sing background with Franklin's sisters Erma and Carolyn on the timeless 'I Never Loved A Man (The Way That I Love You)' LP. Myrna also backed Elvis up during his 1976 Graceland recordings, both in February of that year, and in the October/November sessions, resulting in two albums. . Presley's on-stage behavior became increasingly bizarre, and, on the final night of the tour, he took requests, threw his guitar into the crowd, and gave away a $6,500 ring to an audience member. [3] She died on December 24, 2010.[8]. News headlines delivered at Noon Monday - Friday. Artists Moods Energetic Positive Sweet Yearning Devotional Soothing Wistful Elegant Exciting Lively Relaxed Romantic Sentimental Sophisticated Strong Uplifting Warm Gentle Striding Gutsy Passionate Dreamy Artists Themes Faith Housework In Love Compassion Heartache Introspection Religion Yearning Healing/Comfort Passion Peace Elvis Presley with his background singers, The Sweet Inspirations (Myrna Smith pictured far right) One of the people who loved that song so much was allegedly Elvis himself. The incredible Shawn Klush first exploded onto the UK scene when 6 million viewers tuned in to see him crowned The World's Greatest Elvis' live on BBC One. The Sweet Inspirations. Doctors said he died of a heart attack, likely brought on by his addiction to prescription barbiturates. Kathy Westmoreland, backing vocalist, still active. Myrna Smith is one of the original Sweet Inspirations, the backing group who sang with Elvis in concert from 1969 until the end. He was known for his playful humour and outrageous costumes when Sweet played hits like Blockbuster and . His engagement that christened The International Hotel in Vegas that July would mark his first appearance in over eight years. No audition was required. Saturday, 4th March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Keep the Faith. Justly acknowledged as the groundbreaking, chart-topping tour de force it is, it's hard to imagine what this legendary Bert Berns and Jerry Ragavoy production would sound like without the girls from Newark. The Sweet Inspirations had a close, playful and well-respected friendship with Elvis Presley. The Sweet Inspirations also began recording and touring with Elvis Presley as both background singers and his warm-up act,[2] as well as doing occasional live dates with Aretha Franklin. He once again criticized Westmoreland during the summer 1975 tour, telling audiences, among other things, that she would "take affection from anybody, anyplace, anytime. At the end of the year, The Sweets would record Sweet Sweet Soul with Ugene Dozier and Thom Bell at Sigma Sound in Philadelphia, and (Gotta Find) A Brand New Lover would become their biggest hit since Sweet Inspiration in early 1970. The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. ISBN 0-961-86220-3. Tragically, Smith died at the age of 69 on December 24, 2010 from kidney failure. This isnt too surprising, as their have been rumors that Elvis was very fond of the ladies. Estelle Brown sang with Elvis from 1969 until his untimely passing in 1977. The Sweet Inspirations had success with R&B, gospel and pop. Jerry Schilling and Elvis Presley were close friends who reportedly both were attracted to Myrna Smith.